In today's New York Times, Elizabeth Becker and David Sanger report that President Bush refuses to deviate from his administration's policy not to increase aid for Africa, despite strong support for such a proposal from US allies including Great Britain.  Thus, in the run-up to the G8 summit in Scotland next month, I find myself asking, "What's the private sector's response?"  While many in the development community have latched onto the double-aid-for-Africa bandwagon, it’s looking less and less likely to happen as currently packaged.  Sorry, Jeff Sachs and Co. 

So what's the next step?  With the Bush Administration firmly in business' corner, perhaps now is a good time for the private sector to step up and talk about business opportunities in low-income markets.  I’ve heard about two events happening in Scotland around the G8 meeting.  The first will be co-organized by the Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa and the German Marshall Fund.  The second will be run by Business Action for Africa.  Both seem pretty interesting, and high-level.  Hopefully something real will result.